Kim Porter and Sean “Diddy” Combs.Photo: Chris Polk/FilmMagic
Throughout all of the ups and downs of their relationship,Sean “Diddy” CombsandKim Porteralways remained close.
Porter, who dated Combs for many years, wasfound deadin her home on Nov. 15, 2018. She was 47.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Porter’s death in a statement, explaining that officers responded to a death investigation at 11:40 a.m. in Toluca Lake, California, where they found a female unresponsive at the residence.
Porter was pronounced dead at the scene and the autopsy report later revealed that she had died oflobar pneumonia.
After a few days of silence, Diddycommented publiclyon her passing.
Here’s a look back at their relationship.
On-Again-Off-Again Relationship
Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
The couple, who began dating in the ’90s, welcomed their first child together in 1998 — a son named Christian Casey.
Porter and Combs broke up in 1999 and battled in court over child support for Christian. Combs went on to dateJennifer Lopezfor two years before he and Porter reconciled in 2003.
In December 2006, theywelcomed twin daughters, D’Lila Star and Jessie James.
Porter was also mother to sonQuincy Brownfrom aprevious relationship with music producer Al B. Sure. When Quincy was only 3 years old, Combs became hands-on in raising him.
Marriage Wasn’t in the Cards
In an interview forEssence’s December 2006 issue, Combs shared that he hadno plans to marry Porter. “I know she deserves to get married, but I’m just not ready,” he said. “It’s not a reflection on how much I love Kim. It’s that I’m just learning how to be a good boyfriend. When I’m finished with this step, I’ll move on to the next.”
Less than a year later, the couple split for the final time.
The Final Split
Combs and Porter split for good in 2007.
“In ending this relationship, I made a decision that was in the best interest of myself, Sean and our family. I look forward to moving on with my life and my career and wish him prosperity, health and happiness in life and in love. We will remain friends and committed parents to our children,” Porter said in a statement at the time.
That same year, Porteropened up about their breakupwithEssencemagazine, explaining why she chose to wait for Combs to leave town before packing up all of her things — including the kitchen table.
“I wanted to be dramatic. I wanted him to know I wasn’t breaking up with him for two weeks — or maybe leaving for two days. If I pack up everything — twins and all — it means I’m out! Puffy’s an action person, not a talk person. So, I had to have an action. Telling him, ‘Babe, I’m leaving,’ was not gonna do it,' " she explained.
Paternity Drama
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Ultimately, Combs did approach Porter with the news, but she said it was after their twins were born.
“He told me that he may have gotten himself into a situation and he may have fathered another child outside the relationship and I said, ‘Really? Well, I already knew. I’m glad you decided to be a man,’ " recalled Porter. “I was like, ‘Dude, this is so wack I can’t even respect you right now.’ And for me, once the respect is gone, I’m not even listening to you.”
In July 2006, Combs welcomed daughter Chance with Sarah Chapman. Twin daughters D’Lila and Jessie arrived that December.
Committed Co-Parents
Porter and her son Christian Combs.Andrew H. Walker/WWD/REX/Shutterstock
Despite all the drama, Porter and Combs were able to remain close throughout the rest of her life as they continued to co-parent their children.
Even months after they first split, Porter toldEssencethat the pair were “friends” and that Combs “still calls me every day.”
“We’re committed to our children even if we couldn’t commit to each other,” she remarked.
In an interview forJETmagazine the following year, Combs also praised Porter’s skills as a parent.
“Kim is an incredible mother to our children. We’ve been part of each other’s lives for many years and I have always admired her courage and strength. We’re the best of friends.”
“I got three girls, three boys, and they’re really kind, great people,” Combstold PEOPLEin 2017 of his large family. “They got a lot of love in their heart. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
Combs is also father to son Justin with his ex-girlfriend, Misa Hylton-Brim
Giving credit where credit is due, the mogul proudly praised all of his children’s mothers.
Kim Porter.Abel Fermin/REX/Shutterstock
In the months leading up to her death, Porter and Combs were as tight as ever.
In addition tospending Mother’s Day together, in October 2018, all of Porter and Combs' children came out to support a screening of Quincy’s new Netflix movie,Holiday Calendar.
“When the Whole #Qrew shows up for @Quincy screening of NETFLIX Christmas movie HOLIDAY CALENDAR a must see … I laughed, I cried, I got in the holiday spirit, but, most of all, I got to see @quincy live out his Dream,” Porter wrote alongside a series offamily group shots.
Kim Porter with Sean “Diddy” Combs and their children.Charley Gallay/Getty Images
That same month, Combs also shared a sweetHalloween photoof Porter and their twin daughters, who dressed up as Run DMC.
Two of the three last photos on Porter’s Instagram page also were a tribute to Combs.
In honor of his 49th birthday, less than one week before her death, Porterwrote: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY @diddy on this day a GENIUS was born, may you continue to be the Driving Force of ENERGY that GOD created you to be !! Thank you for giving me the best gifts of life our CHILDREN !!”
She went on to share a photo of Combs and his children from hisbirthday celebration.
Combs Keeps Porter’s Memory Alive
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
On several occasions, Combs has paid tribute to the late Porter on Instagram. In 2020, he posted onthe 2nd anniversary of her death, as well ason what would’ve been her 50th birthday.
Two years later, when accepting the honor of theLifetime Achievement Awardat the2022 BET Awardsin Los Angeles, he mentioned Porter.
“I just miss Kim, y’all … I just want to say thank you to Kim,” he said to the audience.
In September 2023, Combs toldEntertainment Tonightthat Porter inspired his albumThe Love Album: Off the Grid, which includes a track named after the late actress and model.
“I always said that I can’t make a hit record unless my heart is broken. It’s just like a vulnerable state that you’re in,” he said. “When I lost Kim, it broke my heart forever.”
source: people.com
